Jason completed a Masters of Science in Environmental Science under the supervision of Courtney Mason at Thompson Rivers University in 2018. Jason’s professional and academic background has focused on Indigenous Interpretation within Canadian parks, as well as Indigenous tourism with private tourism companies across Canada. His thesis research examined Indigenous representation within the Rocky Mountain National Parks in order to develop new methods of inclusive representation through deep consultation with local Indigenous peoples. His work impacts Parks Canada policies of consultation with Indigenous peoples. Growing up in his home Ahnishnabae reserve of Neyaashiinigmiing in Ontario gives Jason the insight and personal connection needed to make this type of research meaningful. Jason received the Graduate Student Mentor Award (2016-2017). He defended his master’s thesis entitled:
Incorporating Indigenous Voices: The Struggle for Increased Representation in Jasper National Park.
Jason is now an Assistant Professor in Tourism Management at TRU and an Executive Board Member with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.